I'm giving up on couples
...
I'm kidding.
No I'm not.
Klance and Shidge, bitch.
The superhero!AU I think someone asked for
I had no future plans for this
So it's being made up as I go along
Hope it doesn't suck
:)
Enjoy *bows*

Lance stared at himself in his full-length mirror, hands palm-up as they rested on his knees. He sat cross-legged on his bed, eyes lidded with exhaust.

For the life of him, he couldn't make sense of what's happened to him over the passed few weeks.

He squeezed his eyes shut, balling his fists.

Lance yelped, eyes shooting wide-open as blue lightening shot from his fists. He flung himself back onto his bed, shrieking as the lightning shot across the room when his fists opened.

"Lance!? Lance, mijo!" His mother cried as she ran up the stairs. "Lance, what's the matter!?"

"I'm okay, mamá! ¡Estoy bien!" Lance shouted, scrambling around his room to figure out how to cover up the new marks on his wall. "I just need a shower!"

She paused at his door. "Are you sure, mijo?"

Lance carded his fingers through his hair. "Y-yeah, mamá. I'm okay. Promise."

"... Alright, mijo. Breakfast is ready whenever you want it."

"Gracìas, mamá." Lance sighed, listen to her hesitant steps away.

Lance breathed deeply, then tore his shirt off. He dashed out of his room and to the bathroom down the hall. He tossed open the door, then locked it behind him. Lance switched the hot water on, then stripped the rest of the way down. He jumped in under the rushing water.

Lance closed his eyes, letting the water pour over him...

Until it didn't.

The teen blinked owlishly, looking down to his hands. The water still flowed from the showerhead, but then it split as if he was holding an umbrella above himself.

Lance stared for a moment, then swayed as his eyes rolled back and his knees gave out beneath him.

~

Rubber was good with the whole electricity thing. Lance wasn't sure about water, but he was sure it'd help with the lightning shooting from his hands.

He wore the yellow rubber gloves typically used during cleaning bathrooms or scrubbing floors. He pulled the sleeves of his hoodie over the gloves and shoved his hands into the pocket.

Lance kept his head low as he walked through downtown, glancing every which direction. He needed to find answers.

Things like this only happened to superheroes. Heros like Champion, Red Flame, Hacker, and Sting.

And Lance is no hero.

Lance is a show off, but he's no hero. No one looks up to him, he doesn't protect people or run into danger. Lance is basically a nobody.

His older brother would be a hero before he was.

"Are you alright?"

Lance jumped, snapping his head up. He suddenly froze up, face burning up. "O-oh! Allura!"

The beautiful senior from his high school smiled at him. "Lance? What are you doing out here? Are you feeling better? You've been out all week."

"I-I feel lots better!" Lance grinned goofily, pushing his hood back. "Yeah, I feel great- especially, you know, after seeing you- well- people- getting out and seeing people, you know!"

Allura giggled, holding up a flower. "Here."

Lance blinked. "Uhm... But- don't I-?"

"It's on the house." Allura mused, waving her hand. "I'm glad you feel better. Are you gonna be my partner in physics tomorrow? We're starting a new project."

"Another? Man, Mr. Sendak sucks sometimes. Yeah, totally. I'll be your partner."

Allura hummed, tucking a stray strand of curly white hair behind her ear. "I'm glad."

"Hey, Allura!?"

Both Allura and Lance turned their heads. Lance grinned and waved as his best friend peeked out of the flower shop. Hunk's expression lit up and he returned a rapid wave. "Lance! Hey, buddy! Good to see you! Anyway, Allura, I think something's up with this new batch of yellow roses! Come check them out!"

Allura nodded, then looked up to Lance. "I'll see you on Monday, Lance. Be prepared for that project and make-up work."

Lance chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, thanks." He took the flower she still held out. "See you."

She seemed to have eyed his rubber gloves for a moment, then rushed back inside with a short wave tossed over her shoulder.

Lance sighed softly, then smelled the violet flower as he held it to his nose. He glanced up, then blinked.

"Keith?" He lowered his violet with a smirk. "You work Altea Flower shop?"

Keith narrowed his dark eyes in a glare. "So what? You got something against flower shops?"

Lance raised his hands. "No, no. I just- this doesn't seem like a place you'd work."

"Where'd you think I'd work?"

"Tattoo parlor. Back alleyway-"

"Why would I work in either of those places? No, whatever. Don't answer. I don't want to know. I need to get back to work." Keith scoffed and waved, going back into the shop.

Lance chuckled, and began to walk away. He slowly began to frown as rain began to patter on the sidewalk. "Great..."

~

Rain poured from the clouds, making a misty sheen broken by thick water droplets and umbrellas.

Also broken by spouts of red flames and abnormally large vines with the occational boulder.

Lance cursed as he ran through the rain, wanting to get further from the fight, but ending up getting closer.

Instead of being dubbed as the villan or bad guy, these people with abilities used for their personal vendetta are called Robeasts.

Well, I shouldn't say personal vendetta. These Robeasts are more used as slaves for a higher source in the chain. That source is Zarkon and Lotor - father and son. Those two are just flat out villains with their 'witch' Haggar beside them at all times.

This Robeast was a man named Myzaks, one of Champion's first antagonists. He used to be a thief that most banks and wealthy stores were afraid of until Champion defeated him - threw him in jail.

Champion was the first, then Red Flame, then Hacker, then Sting.

Lance yelped as he saw a car flying through the air, headed straight for the building behind him. Lance swiveled as he ducked, then his eyes widened.

A teacher, she looked like, was gathering her young, tiny students into the building to hide away safely from the battle and the rain.

"No, don't-" Lance started to shout out, throwing his arms up. With his arms came torrents of water defying gravity, sloshing and splashing as it formed a barrier that caught the car. Lance froze, jaw agape as he stared at what he's just done. He dropped his arms and stumbled back, the water and car falling as well.

The teacher stared at him with big, frightened eyes before she scurried into the building behind the students.

Lance stared down at his hands, then tore off the gloves he wore.

"Holy shit..."

His fingers sparked blue, jolting out as rain hit his hands.

He gulped, then yelped and jumped as something landed heavily behind him.

"Fuck-! Ah- what the-!? Get out of the street, you idiot!"

Lance shouted as the back of his collar was snatched and he was dragged out if the street. "Hey-!" He gasped.

He grunted as he was tossed and his back hit a brick wall. "You're stupid! What the hell are you thinking standing in the middle of the street while it's raining, and while there's a battle!?"

Sparks shot from Lance's hands as he panicked, water swirling around his feet.

The darkly dressed hero noticed. His eyes widened, watching the blue bolts shoot from his hands.

"Help..." Lance whimpered, the hero looking back up at him.

He slowly nodded, hesitantly reaching towards Lance. "I'll help you, Lance."

~

"Yes, ma'am. He's fine... Yeah- he's just here at my place! I just wanted you to know... Yes ma'am. I'll have him call you when he wakes up. Goodbye, Mrs. McClain."

Lance shifted, listening to the familiar voice as he woke up.

"Is he awake?"

"I dunno."

"You were just in there, Keith."

"He could have woken up in the time I've been out. He could still be asleep. I don't know."

"Dude's got a good argument."

"Pidge, why are you siding with him?"

"Because what he said is true."

"Guys, really. We need to figure out what to tell him when he does wake up."

"Or if he's already awake."

"Katie-"

"Alright, alright! Go on."

"Should I do it? I'm his best friend."

"Allura should do it. She's his long-term crush."

"But he was just with Nyma?"

"Oh, yeah. Short-term, then. She's still his crush."

"Even if he does like me, I think Hunk should. They are best friends."

"Shiro, why don't you? You're totally his idol."

"I'm not really-"

"Seriously, Lance practically praises you. He looks up to both your personas."

"Yeah, he does."

"Neither Keith or I should tell him."

"Why can't I?"

"Dude, he'd be traumatized if I say it, and he hates you. You're rivals, remember?"

"Only he thinks so."

"Exactly."

"I agree."

"Thanks for the support, Shiro."

"You're welcome."

"Why don't I tell him?"

"Coran, he doesn't know you. I think he'd be freaked out."

"Ah, yes. Right."

"Someone should check on him."

"I'll do it. If he's awake, I'll just... Try to explain."

"Good luck."

The door creaked open. Lance groaned, reaching up to cover his eyes as the light flicked on.

"Hey, buddy. You're up." Hunk mused as he sat on the edge of the bed.

Lance huffed, tugging the blanket up. "No. I wanna sleep more."

Hunk chuckled. "Yeah. You probably do... But I should talk to you."

The smaller of the two cracked open his eyes and peeking out from between his arms. "About what?"

"About what's been happening to you."

Lance stared at his best friend for a second, then sat straight up, eyes wide. "How did you find out!?" He shouted.

Hunk placed his hands on Lance's shoulders. "Hey, calm down, man... Take a couple deep breaths."

Lance nodded slowly, doing as told. "How... How did you...?"

"You passed out after Kei- uh, Red Flame found you. You were freaking out, lightning just shooting from your hands and the rainwater doing the weirdest things." Hunk explained carefully.

"Right... He pulled me out of the street..." Lance glanced around the room, then furrowed his brows. "Dude, am I at the flower shop?"

Hunk chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah... You kinda are..."

Lance shook his head. "Why would he bring me here?"

"Because-..." Hunk paused, then gulped and looked down. "Lance, I- I don't know how to, uh... Say this... Well... I'm- I'm a hero." Hunk tilted his head back up. "I'm Sting."

Lance blinked at Hunk, then snorted. "You?" Hunk nodded. A laugh burst from Lance and he hunched over. "No offence, man, but-" He stopped, staring over Hunk's shoulder. His expression fell. "Holy shit... That's- those are- it's-"

"Our suits." Hunk stood up and walked out to the suits hanging on the wall. "This shop is our cover up."

"So..." Lance gulped. "Everyone that... that works here is...?" Hunk nodded, touching his suit. "Everyone everyone?" Again, Hunk nodded. Lance's breath caught. "That means... Means that..."

"I'm the one who pulled your ass out of the street and brought you back here."

Lance swiveled his head while Hunk turned slightly to look over his shoulder. Keith folded his arms, leaning on the door frame. "You look better. You're not as pale as you were earlier."

"Holy shit..." Lance breathed, then scrambled out of the bed and to his feet. "I've got to get home-!" He squeaked and rushed to the door.

Keith shifted to stand in the middle of the doorway, halting Lance. "Not until we've explained a few things to you, first. Sit back down, now, before I light a fire beneath your ass."

Lance nodded rapidly, hurrying back to the bed.

"There. Not that difficult, was it?" Keith stepped into the room, Lance nodding. "Listen. Actually listen to me. Don't do what you do with Mr. Iverson. Got it?"

"Yes!"

"Good." Keith raised his chin. "You have late-blooming abilities. We're going to help you control them."

~

"I said 'perfect circle.' Not 'half-assed rhombus.'"

"I'm trying!"

"Not very hard!"

"You make a perfect circle out of water then!"

"I will!"

"YOU CONTROL FIRE! NOT WATER!"

"Shut up you idiots!" Pidge snapped as she stormed into the back room, tearing her apron off. "Here!" She threw the apron at Keith. "Go to work! It's my turn!"

"It's not five yet-"

"Work, asshole!" Pidge hissed and Keith huffed. He tied the apron and stalked out,of the back room.

Pidge dropped to the floor in front of Lance, crossing her legs. "A perfect circle is all we're aiming for, right?" Lance nodded. "Alright." She sucked in several deep breaths and motioned for Lance to follow suit. Once she saw he had relaxed some, she spoke. "Keith and I have about the same patience level, but we're working on this. No one but us can know, and if you don't have control over your powers, then everyone will know."

"Right." Lance muttered.

Pidge shifted, holding her hands out to him. "Take my hands."

"Aren't you with Shiro?"

"Take my hands, dumbass." Lance did as told. Pidge squeezed his hands and stared into his eyes. "Look at me, but concentrate on making this puddle a perfect circle."

Lance furrowed his brows. "How?"

Pidge raised their hands. "Eyes on me, mind on the water between us. Got it?" Lance slowly nodded. He pushed all his thoughts down, focusing solely on a perfect circle of water. "Listen to my voice, alright? Don't nod or anything. Just listen." Pidge raised her head. "You are going to be training for a long time to fully control your abilities. Listen and concentrate aren't your strong suits, but that's all you'll be doing for the duration of your training."

"What about my lightning abilities?"

Pidge nodded. "I'm getting to that, Lance. Focus on your circle." She demanded. "Water is your outer element. You can't physically block it. Your lightning ability is your internal ability. That can be physically blocked. Like my external is vegetation and all that, and my internal is my capability to break down servers, collect internet and WiFi using my consciousness alone. I don't even need to touch a piece of technology to do whatever I want on it."

Lance gulped, but kept a circle at the forefront of his mind.

Slowly, Pidge pulled her hands from his. "Stop concentrating so hard. You look constipated. Look down."

He shook off her comment and did as she told him. He blinked, then grinned. "Not exactly perfect, but- still pretty lit."

Pidge hummed with a small smile. "Welcome to the team, Sharp-shot."

~

"Whoo, yeah!" Lance snickered as he stretched his arms out. "Sweet! This is like, a perfect fit! Thanks, Allura! You're the best!" He grabbed her hands and kissed both her cheeks.

Allura giggled. "You're welcome. Telekinesis really helps the whole sewing thing."

Lance grinned as he twisted to inspect the rest of his new suit. "Dude, this is so cool! My ass looks awesome!"

"You have no ass."

"Do too, Pidgeroo. Look!"

"Don't stick your ass in my face!"

"I do what I want!"

"What is going on?"

Lance jumped forward with a whistle. "Just celebrating early graduation from training, Shiro."

Shiro raised a brow as he untied his apron. "You still don't have lightning completely under control, though."

The younger pouted. "Well, but still. I've gotten most of a hold on it."

The older man chuckled with a shake of his head. "Alright, I'll bite. I'll take you out to dinner. My treat."

"Yes!" Lance pumped his fist, then yelped as sparks shot from his fingertips. He blinked, then grinned sheepishly as he hid his hands behind his back. Shiro's brow raised. "Oops?"

"That 'oops' just cost you half the bill."

"Aww! Shiro! Not fair! I just got excited!"

"That could give the bad guy an advantage during battle. Get out of your suit. I'm digging the fingless gloves, though. Nice touch, Allura."

"Thank you!"

~

Lance hummed as he walked behind his mother, looking around for the groceries on her list. "Mamá, those?"

"Hm?" She raised her head, then nodded. "Sí, thank you, mijo."

He chuckled, then looked up. Lance tilted his head and raised a brow. "Hold on, mamá. I see a friend."

"Of course, mijo. Meet me at the front when you're done." She waved her hand at him, inspecting her list.

"Love you, mamá." Lance mused, then trotted off. He leaned to peek into the isle the familiar face disappeared into. "What're you doing here?"

Keith gasped and jumped, then swiveled around to glare at Lance. "You scared the shit out of me!" He hissed under his breath.

Lance grinned, swaying slightly as he approached Keith, hands in his pockets. "You didn't answer my question."

"Ugh." Keith groaned, waving his list. "Groceries. Shiro's making me shop since it's date night with Pidge and we need food."

The taller teen snickered, tossing an arm around Keith's shoulders. "Show me your list, man. I'll help you find stuff."

Keith huffed, but held up the folded piece of paper. "Here."

~

Lance wiggled his fingers excitedly. Electricity licked up the tips of his fingers, eyes flicking about to take in surroundings.

"Who are you?" Prorok growled, the clawed fingers of his cybernetic arms curling.

Lance smirked. "Glad you asked. Name's Sharp-Shot!"

"He used my nickname!" Pidge grinned, bouncing despite being in binding. "Champion, he used my name I gave him!"

"I heard, baby. Focus on getting us out."

"I'm trying."

Prorok groaned, rubbing his face. "Annoying."

Lance huffed. "Gee. You should hear me. Anyway, let's get to it." Lance crouched slightly, holding his arms up.

~

"You fought good the other day."

Lance blinked, pausing in his clipping of the flowers. He tilted his head to look up at Keith. "What?"

Keith huffed, crossing his arms. "Don't make me say it again."

A grin slowly built on Lance's face. "You really think I fought good?"

"Yeah. You didn't fuck up like I thought you would." Keith muttered, looking down, cheeks and ears tinted red. "You did good."

"You, too." Lance mused, nudging Keith. "Head on home. I'll close up shop."

Keith hummed. "Alright. Walk safely."

Lance snorted with a roll of his eyes. "I will."

Keith smiled slightly. "See you tomorrow at school."

~

Lance hummed, flicking his wrist as he raised his coffee mug to his lips. Water raised from two of the buckets and spread through the air over the plants. Lance wiggled his fingers and the water began to sprinkle down over the flowers.

"What the-!?"

Lance yelped and scrambled, dropping the rest of the water. "Shit-!" He hissed, hot coffee having splashing over his torso.

Some one hurried around from the doorway. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you, but the water- Oh my God! Lance!?"

The teen blinked, then looked up. He grinned sheepishly. "Hey! Plaxie!"

The girl laughed softly. "I didn't know you worked here!"

"Are you kidding? This is my domain!" Lance spread out his arms, then set his mug down. "What's up?"

"I was just grabbing some flowers for my friend- wait, wait-! Lance Charles McClain, are you trying to make me forget about that water trick!?" Plaxum shouted.

Lance smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Maybe?"

Plaxum put her hands on her waist and popped her hip to the side. "Either you got a new watering system that's way out of this century, or one of my friends is a superhero."

"I'm, uh..." Lance cleared his throat, leaning back on the counter. "I'm guessing I'm not going to be able to convince you it's a new water system, huh?"

"Nope!" Plaxum grinned devilishly, leaning closer. "Who knew that I, a conspiracy theorist and cryptid hunter, has a superhero for a friend. Sharp-Shot."

"You are quick." Lance whistled, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm just glad you're not all whacked out about this."

Plaxum shrugged. "It's neat. Besides, now you can keep me cool with like this little mist-spray during summer and you can zap the people that get on my nerves."

Lance laughed, tossing his head back. "Gotta keep the priorities straight, huh?"

"Always." Plaxum mused, twirling a lock of bleach-blonde hair with a streak of sky blue. "Anyway, about those flowers?"

"Sure. Grab whatever you want."

"On the house?"

"Of course. Wouldn't want you spilling my secret."

~

"You seem to be hanging out with Plaxum a lot." Keith muttered, stiffly posing flowers.

Lance shrugged with a small smile. "Kinda can't help it when, you know, she's my girlfriend."

Keith froze up and Pidge choked on her sprite.

"What!?" Pidge shrieked through her gurgling, leaping off the counter. "You finally got a girlfriend!? Holy shit, man! I'm proud of you!" Pidge grinned, patting his back. She then frowned and leaned over slightly. "Uh... I hope you're paying for that."

Lance glanced over to Keith to see yellow petals slipping through his fingers and to the floor. He raised a brow, lowering his watering can. "You alright?"

"I'm fine!" Keith snapped, throwing the broken flower in his grasp onto the floor. "But you do know that you shouldn't be with someone, right?"

Lance blinked, surprised. "Uh... But, she doesn't know... And you guys are the only ones who know. She's safe. Why can't I be with her?"

Pidge swung her hips and folded her arms. "Why can't he? Shiro and I are together."

"That's different!"

"How is that different!? We're still in danger of losing one another! Same with Hunk and Shay!" Pidge shouted, tossing her arm in a wild gesture. "You didn't get all pissy like this when Hunk announced he was with Shay! How is Lance's relationship any different? You I know what? Whatever. Congrats, Lance. I'm proud of you. Gather up a nice bouquet for her- Keith is paying."

Lance slowly nodded, albeit still slightly confused with Keith's behavior.

~

Plaxum beamed brightly as Lance held up a bouquet filled with an assortment of flowers. "Aw, Lance!"

Lance grinned as she took the bouquet and raised it to her nose. "I know you want to be a reporter some day. I just want you to promise you won't reveal my identity."

She giggled and leaned onto him. "You're a dork, Lance. Why would I tell anyone? Then again, it's the perfect black mail."

"That's why." Lance huffed amusedly. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "But, boy, am I lucky to have such a beautiful girlfriend."

Plaxum hummed. "Yes you are."

~

Lance hummed happily, picking out the bad flowers. He raised his head. "Hey, Keith!? Think you could get outside and water those plants?" He shouted for Keith to hear from across the shop.

"Already did." Keith huffed, approaching Lance. "You don't have to shout."

The taller teen huffed. "Sorry. I thought you were still in the back. What's your issue?"

Keith shot Lance a glare. "What issue? I don't have an issue."

"Yes you do." Lance folded his arms and turned to face Keith. "I thought we were finally getting along. 'Bonding,' as you had called it. And now, suddenly, you're snapping at me and can't stand to be in the same building as me. Do you hate me?"

"No!"

"Do you hate Plaxum?"

"I don't hate anyone, I'm just-!" Keith cut himself off and glared at the floor. "I'm getting back to work. Hunk should be coming in soon." He turned and walked away.

~

"Red! You've got to work with me in this!"

"I am!" Keith snapped, arching his leg up. A trail of fire followed him. "Your water keeps getting in the way of my flames!"

"Does not!" Lance yelped, grunting as he dropped to the ground. "Sting! His left!"

Hunk leapt up. "Got it!"

Shiro huffed, blocking an attack. "Hacker! His band!"

Pidge ducked to avoid an attack. "I see it! I'll get right on it!"

"Sharp-shot! Get behind him! Red, you keep his attention!"

"Right!"

"Already got it!"

~

Lance chuckled as he listen to Plaxum read through her research. He checked each flower carefully, watering each respectively.

"-so I really think- Lance, someone came in!" Plaxum jumped off the counter and whacked his hand. The water fell mid-hover.

Lance blinked, slightly confused for a second. He shook his head, then looked up. Keith stepped into the aisle, then paused. Plaxum grinned and waved. "Hi, Keith! What's up?"

Keith narrowed his eyes. "Nothing. Is Allura in?"

"The back." Lance gestured over his shoulder. "She's going through inventory."

"I'll go get ready." Keith grumbled and stalked towards the back of the store.

Plaxum wrapped her arms around Lance's arm. "What's up with him? Did something happen between you guys?"

Lance sighed and shrugged. "I have no idea..."

She bit down on her lip. "Does he know?" She whispered, taking his hand in hers.

"... No... Just you and the team."

~

"I am Lotor! Son of Zarkon!"

Keith growled, clenching his fists as fire burst around him. "We heard you the first ten times!" He snapped.

Lance skidded to a halt beside Keith. "Sting's out, Champ's seriously wounded. Hacker is refusing to leave his side."

The shorter teen clenched his jaw. "How did this guy take all of them down like that?"

"I've been studying each battle." Lotor proudly stated, puffing up his chest. "I know weaknesses. I know your moves. I may or may not even know your secret identities."

Keith raised his fists. "I doubt that."

Lotor looked so pleased with himself. "Don't doubt so soon, Keith Kogane." Keith's and Lance's eyes widened, Keith faltering. "I've seen you around town. I noticed similarities in the way you move and how you act around Lance McClain. Or, a.k.a. Sharp-Shot."

Lance slowly turned his gaze to Keith. "What? So what? We don't get along." Lance looked back to Lotor. "It's expected with Fire and Water."

God, Lotor was practically purring. "That's not what I mean, gorgeous blue." Lotor mused. "He's fallen in love with you." Lance stiffened. "He's jealous of that beautiful girlfriend of yours."

"You shut up!" Keith shouted, charging for Lotor with his sword. "I don't want to hear another single lie from your disgusting mouth!"

Lance was frozen in place, eyes wide. He's fallen in love with you. Keith? No way. There's no way.

There were fans out there that shipped them, he knew, but actually... Keith actually being in love with him? It almost seemed impossible until he started to really think about it.

They were getting closer, then Lance got with Plaxum.

Lance should have noticed sooner.

"Lance! Look out!" Lance looked up, eyes widening further.

He scrambled to the side, narrowly dodging the car. He dashed by the fountain, running his fingertips through the water. Water flew beside Lance as he ran straight at Lotor. "Eat dirt!" Lance snapped, slamming the baracade of water down on Lotor.

Lotor snarled once the water was now on the ground and he was drenched. "You may be the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, but you really get on my nerves sometimes." He lounged at Lance.

Lance ducked and deflected an attack. "Sucks to be you!" He arched his leg up, kicking Lotor in the face.

Lotor screeched, flying back.

Keith was above Lotor in a second, using his speed capabilities to have him pinned. "You're going away for a long time." Keith muttered.

The antagonist growled, gripping Keith's ankle. "Don't be so certain."

Keith screamed as his ankle was abruptly twisted and snapped. He fell to the brick ground, hands flying to his ankle.

"Keith!" Lance yelped, rushing over to help.

However, Lotor was still between them. He unsheathed his dagger and ducked down as Lance came at him. He pushed himself up, driving the dagger into Lance's abdomen.

Lance choked as he was raised up, hunching over Lotor's shoulder.

"What a shame." Lotor tsk'd, twisting the blade. Lance strained, a gurgled, weak cry tearing from his throat. "You were my favorite."

"Lance!" Keith gasped, trying to push himself up. "Lance, no!"

Lance slowly reached towards Keith, red already staining his bottom lip. "Keith..." He breathed, grunting as the blade was torn out of his gut. He cried out as he was tossed onto the ground.

Keith could hear Plaxum screaming from the sidelines. She must be struggling against the police that blocked off the area.

Lotor seemed to vanish as Lance coughed weakly.

"N-no..." Keith dragged himself over. "Lance. Lance, loot at me..." Keith pulled himself over Lance, pressing his hand to the wound. Lance whimpered, clenching up. "Lance, look at me!"

Lance coughed and a drop of blood dribbled from the corner of his lips. "Keith..." His voice broke as he turned his head. "Keith..."

Keith reached up with his other and, petting Lance's hair back. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry." Keith sobbed softly, not looking up as footsteps rushed closer.

"Oh my God-!" Pidge screamed, scrambling back in fear. "Lance! Medic! We need a medic over here, now!"

Lance blinked, squinting as his breaths steadily became shallow. "It's... Numb..."

Keith pressed his forehead to Lance's. "I'm sorry... I should have just... I'm sorry..."

"Stop..." Lance breathed, having troubles keeping his eyes open. "S-stop... That..."

Keith shook his head.

"Sir, we need to get him-"

"No!" Keith shouted, glaring at the paramedic. "Just give me a second!" He looked back down at Lance, running the pad of his thumb under Lance's eye. "Lance?"

Lance didn't respond.

Keith sobbed louder, shaking. He leaned down, pressing his lips to Lance's. "I'm so sorry..."

He couldn't bring himself to fight as he was pried off Lance and as Lance was carried into an ambulance. Pidge held Keith as she sobbed and he stared blankly forward, tears rolling down his pale cheeks.

~

"How's your ankle?"

"Uh... It doesn't hurt so bad right now." Keith muttered, staring at the television in his room. "Pidge, they caught it... The whole thing."

Pidge looked up at the tv as well.

It was the picture of Keith kissing a still Lance, though they were in their suits.

Pidge snatched the remote, and turned it off.

"Hey!" Keith gasped.

She grabbed his hands and forced them down. "Look at me."

Keith huffed, but did as told.

"You said you didn't want to know, but I'm going to tell you anyway." Pidge took a deep breath. "Hunk's arm is broken and he has a concussion. Shiro is going to have another scar down his back and his leg is broken and he has whiplash. I have a minor headache from hitting that wall as well as minor cuts and bruises. Your ankle is broken. Then Lance." Keith flinched back, looking down at his lap. Pidge sucked in a deep shuddering breath. As she spoke again, her voice cracked. "Lance is going to be okay."

Keith snapped his head up, eyes wide. "What?"

She smiled, squeezing his hands. "I just got the news. He's getting out of surgery now. Lance is expected to make a full recovery."

"He's... Okay..." Keith trembled, eyes watering up. "Lance is going to be alright?"

"Yes." Pidge nodded, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Lance is going to be fine. Coran is going to come in later and adjust all the doctor's and surgeon's memories so they don't reveal our identities."

Keith smiled, slouching in relief. "Thank God..."

"Doctor Brown will come in when we can see him." Pidge assured with a soft smile. "But he'll be okay."

~

Keith leaned on the door frame in relief, shoulders light and chest free of tightness.

"When will he wake up?"

"The anesthetic should wear off within the hour. He'll wake up shortly after that. I'm going to call his family."

Pidge blinked, glancing over her shoulder. Once she spotted Coran, her shoulders sagged slightly in relief. "Alright."

Coran glanced down at his phone, then gave Pidge a thumb's up. She nodded, smiling to the doctor.

Keith limped over to the hospital bed, the boot on his foot thumping on the tile. He dropped onto the chair set beside the bed.

Pidge closed the door to leave Keith alone with Lance.

Keith scooted to the edge of the seat, taking Lance's hand.

~

Keith hummed as he woke. Fingers carefully carded through his hair, an occational stroke down the side of his cheek relaxing him.

"I know you're awake, Keith."

"You're awake..." Keith murmured. He lay still for a moment, then shot straight up with wide eyes. "You're awake!"

Lance laughed, then groaned and hunched over.

"Careful-!" Keith gasped, reaching out to him. "Careful. You have a lot of stitches. Can't have you opening them."

"Yeah." Lance sighed, relaxing onto the pillows. "How bad was it?"

Keith bit his lip. "I thought you died."

Lance breathed deeply, then gestured to the television. "Look what I found."

The shorter teen blinked owlishly, then looked up. His eyes widened and he froze at the picture Lance had paused on. "Uh... I-I can explain!" Keith quickly looked back at Lance.

"Don't have to." Lance mused, taking Keith's hand. "Come here."

Keith gulped, moving to sit on the edge of the hospital bed. "What?"

Lance shook his head. "Just- close your eyes."

"Uhm..." Keith tensed, unsure, but,then closed his eyes. He hummed and eased as Lance's fingers threaded through his hair. "Lance..."

He hummed, easily pulling Keith closer.

Keith sighed softly, then smiled as Lance pressed a kiss to the corner of his lips. "Lance?"

Lance gently nuzzled Keith's cheek. "You have a funny way of showing you care."

"Can't help it." Keith whispered, keeping his eyes closed.

"I wouldn't have you any other way." Lance murmured, then his lips were pressed directly to Keith's.

Keith relaxed into Lance. He tilted his head into Lance's hand.

Lance licked his lips as they pulled apart.

"What about Plaxum?" Keith asked softly, brows furrowed.

"I don't know. I'll talk to her." Lance pursed his lips.

Keith nodded, squeezing Lance's hand and curled his other fingers into the hospital blanket. Lance pet Keith's hair back. "I love you, too."

Keith smiled weakly. "I never said that I love you."

"You didn't need to."

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